ESPN rolling out set in downtown Fort Worth

By Pete Alfano

palfano@star-telegram.com

FORT WORTH -- A couple of 18-wheelers rolled into downtown Fort Worth on Monday morning, and like Transformers action figures, began changing into a 2,500-square-foot stage that will be home base for 80 hours of ESPN broadcasts starting in a week.

Sundance Square will slowly begin to resemble a TV lot this week as more than 300 workers, overseen by ESPN studio director Mike Feinberg, build the main stage in the Chisholm Trail parking lot, as well as install a virtual set, two Jumbotron monitors, a demonstration field, and a 40-foot-high "Fly Cam" that will travel the length of a football field between the Chisholm Trail lot and a parking lot near the Flying Saucer.

The network's setup will take most of the week to complete. The weather is expected to cooperate, as the forecast calls for highs in the 50s and 60s and only a slight chance of rain.

"It's neat the way the 18-wheelers unfold, leaving only the engine part of the truck to be driven away," Feinberg said. "The mobile stages should take from two to three hours to go up."

Also on Monday's agenda is the installation of two "pods," or independent stages and shooting locations. One will be on the fifth floor of the Burk Burnett Building at Fifth and Main streets, with the Tarrant County Courthouse as a backdrop; the other will be on the balcony of the Jett Building, which houses The Ranch radio station and the cattle mural.

The main stage will be situated so the mural and the glass City Center Towers will provide the backdrop for SportsCenter, reflecting Fort Worth's combination of Western heritage and contemporary ambience.

On Tuesday, crews will construct a 28-by-48-foot replica of a football field on Main Street, between Third and Fourth.

Tracy Gilmour, director of marketing for Sundance Square, said Main Street will close at that time.

On Wednesday, more streets close: Main from Fourth to Fifth, and Fourth Street from Houston to Commerce.

The streets are likely to reopen in the early afternoon of Feb. 7, after ESPN breaks down its sets.

Wednesday is scheduled to bring construction of the ESPN Radio/ SportsNation stage at Main and Fourth. National radio shows such as Mike & Mike in the Morning will air from this stage, beginning at 5 a.m. Jan. 31.

Production trucks will arrive Wednesday and be parked in the lot opposite the Flying Saucer on Commerce Street, between Third and Fourth.

The Fly Cam will capture overhead views of Sundance Square, and the Jumbotron screens will allow spectators to watch the broadcasts. Downtown visitors can also get within 25 feet of the network's personalities and guests.

"We create a perimeter around the sets using bike racks," Feinberg said. "We place them so fans can be intimate and close and our talent and employees can maneuver. We want the atmosphere to be festive and enjoyable."

The current 10-day forecast from The Weather Channel includes the possibility of snow showers during Super Bowl week. ESPN will continue to broadcast from outside through rain and cold, but will suspend operations if there is lightning in the area.

ESPN security will be present 24/7, clearly identifiable in bright yellow jackets.

And Fort Worth police will provide any additional assistance that might be needed.

Pete Alfano, 817-390-7985

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